The opening of the Moonta Mines in 1861 was a welcome boost to South Australia's ailing economy at a time of poor crop yields and the loss of able-bodied men to the Victorian goldfields. Nearly 5 000 tons of ore, worth more than £67,000 was produced in the first year of operation, and by 1870 the population of Moonta was second only to Adelaide. In 1876 the Moonta Mining Company was the first company in Australia to pay £1 million in dividends.
The wealth generated by the sales of copper ore provided the shareholders with large profits, some of which were reinvested in South Australia or donated for philanthropic causes such as the University of Adelaide. One of the greater long-term impacts was the prosperity created in the district, through the distribution of wages and the development of new skills. The establishment of the School of Mines was one of the first steps towards providing comprehensive vocational training in Australia.
Hughes Pumphouse Complex
The opening of the copper mines led to a rapid influx of skilled miners and other artisans from Cornwall. Cornish methods were applied in construction, design, labour organisation and the mine works. The families settled in familiar village patterns around the mines, and held onto their traditions and religious beliefs. Moonta today is recognised as a significant part of the area known as Australia's 'Little Cornwall'.